Work experience 'vital' for graduate jobs

Young people such as graduates should be looking to gain some work experience if they are struggling to find employment during the recession, an expert has said.

Jenni Newberry, head of communities at employment consultants Working Links, was commenting on the recent government announcement of £40 million funding to help university leavers find graduate internships.

Ms Newberry said that Working Links welcomes the Department of Work and Pension's Backing Young Britain campaign as graduate internships can "enable young people to develop real skills".

"Through our experience we know that practical experience in the workplace plays a vital role in up-skilling and preparing young people for the world of work and helps employers feel more confident taking on a young person," she added.

The website of the government's Graduate Talent Pool was launched yesterday, hoping to add 6,000 internships and work placements to its register over the next few weeks.